raytek mini temp non-contact thermometer gun with laser sighting

Rating:
Date: 2008-05-27
Very Useful Instrument
This product is essential to see if your air conditioning is working correctly. I use it (like the professionals) to monitor the temperature of the air coming out of the ventilation ducts. There are also other useful applications, like checking the refrigerator & freezer temp's.

Rating:
Date: 2008-05-21
Great tool for cooks, great toy for geeks
The Raytek Minitemp takes the guesswork out of a lot of kitchen tasks, and has a ton of other less practical (but fun) uses as well. Like most touchless thermometers, the device is simply an infrared detector. Solid objects radiate different wavelengths depending on their temperature [..]. By detecting the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted by an object, the thermometer can calculate its temperature. It is a completely passive sensor; the laser light is only to help you aim and has no effect on the measurement.

The thermometer is very accurate near room temperature; when I point it at a regular thermometer, they give me the exact same reading. When I point it at boiling water, it reads 208F. Close enough for cooking applications. The Minitemp has taken all the guesswork out of microwaving, grilling, and frying.

But mostly, I just point the thing at random things around the house for fun. Some of the "applications" I have used the Minitemp for:
- Finding where the cat has most recently been sleeping
- Seeing how cold the clouds are
- Checking the refrigerator/freezer for proper temperature
- Seeing how cold my feet are in the winter
- Figuring out when my XBox is about to explode

One thing the device should NOT be used for is measuring internal temperatures of meats. The thermometer reads only the surface temperature. You cannot take readings through a window, either; the thermometer will just read the glass. Also, the farther you are from the object you are measuring, the larger the spot is that you actually measure. For example, from 2 feet away, you are actually measuring the average temperature of a 2 inch circle, not just the laser spot.

Scores:
Accuracy: 8/10. Sufficient for household use.
Speed: 10/10. Truly instant readings that refresh continuously as you hold down the trigger.
Battery life: 10/10. A 9V battery has lasted through many months of liberal use, including as a laser pointer in a pinch.
Utility: 9/10. Near endless fun.
Physical construction: 9/10: Plastic but rugged and easy to clean. Easy-to-read LCD with a backlight.

Overall score: 46/50. 5 stars.

Rating:
Date: 2008-05-18
No more ladders nor guessing
Saw a similar device used by R/C hobbyists to check engine temp. Used mine at home to check how effective the new ceiling insulation is - and it sure beats bringing out the tall ladder and a digital thermometer! I like it's ability to scan an area so you could detect hot spots. Plus, the laser is a cool toy. Maybe too cool, since my 3 year old wanted to grab my "gun" away from me. Great value.

Rating:
Date: 2008-05-09
Great Tool
No need to spend a ton of money for a infared laser thermometer. This baby's just fine. I use it for Home Inspection and Commercial Facility and Construction Inspection and it works great. Dot Spot Ratio of 8:1 works well.

Rating:
Date: 2008-04-24
Do not order -ridiculous waiting time
I ordered this prodect over two months ago and when I ordered it, the ad said it was in stock and would be shipped within three days. I have now received four messages saying it has been delayed but no reason for the delay. This is the worst service I have ever received from a company!!!
I cancelled this and ordered it from Monstronix and received it within two days and a lower price and free shipping.

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